Kalamazoo marathon features run through campus

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's Kalamazoo campuses will be showcased on the route of the city's first full marathon, scheduled for May 8.

WMU is part of the proposed 26.2-mile race route, which starts and finishes on the Nazareth campus on Gull Road. The route will be certified and eligible as a Boston Marathon qualifying event.

The new marathon is part of the lineup for the 32nd Borgess Run for the Health of It, which typically attracts 4,500 participants. The 2011 events feature new courses and more entertainment.

In addition to promotion of community health and wellness, this year's events will benefit several area children's charities.

Girls on the Run of Greater Kalamazoo

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo

YMCA-Strong Kids, Strong Families Campaign

The Borgess Foundation for Juvenile Diabetes

Training camps began this month for full marathon runners and will begin in early February for 5K and half-marathon training. Information on the camps can be found on the marathon website at thekalamazoomarathon.com.